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Chapter 6 — PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURESArticle IV — EXEMPTIONS FROM ARTICLES II AND III

SEC. 6.68. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/GENERAL CONTRACTOR.

San Francisco Administrative Code · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Francisco

Construction Manager/General Contractor is an approach to the procurement of construction services whereby a construction manager/general Contractor ("CM/GC") is retained during the design process to review and provide comments as to the constructability of the Architect/Engineer's design within the established budget. Department Heads are authorized to seek proposals from qualified CM/GCs for construction of public work projects under the following conditions:

(a) Before the request for qualifications or proposals is issued, the Department Head shall determine that a CM/GC delivery method is necessary or appropriate to achieve anticipated cost savings or time efficiencies, or both, and that such a delivery method is in the public's best interest.

(b) Procurement of CM/GC. Department Heads are authorized to procure CM/GC services through one of the following three methods:

(1) Cost Only Procurement. Department Heads shall require that prospective proposers be pre-qualified to submit proposals on a specific project. The procedure for pre-qualification and final selection is as follows:

(A) Pre-qualification. The Department Head shall issue a request for qualifications inviting interested parties to submit their qualifications to perform the project. The request for qualifications shall include criteria by which the prospective proposers shall be evaluated. The evaluation criteria shall be based on qualifications and experience relevant to the services needed for the particular project. The list of criteria may include, but is not limited to the following: (i) ability to perform required pre-construction and construction phase services; (ii) evidence of financial capacity; (iii) experience on projects of similar size and complexity; (iv) ability to collaboratively and cooperatively deliver projects on time and on budget; (v) history of liquidated damages for delay and other damages paid on prior projects, and prior litigation; (vi) reputation with owners of prior projects; (vii) claims history with insurance carriers and sureties; and (viii) other criteria that the Department Head may deem appropriate. The Department Head shall set objective scoring criteria and incorporate the criteria into any scoring procedure. The Department Head shall designate a qualified panel to review pre-qualification responses and rate respondents with respect to the request for qualifications. The panel, at the department's discretion, may interview respondents as part of the pre-qualification process. Only those respondents found to be qualified will be eligible to submit proposals. The list of pre-qualified respondents shall be valid for not more than two years following the date of initial pre-qualification. The Department Head may establish a shortlist of no fewer than three pre-qualified respondents.

epartment's discretion, may interview respondents as part of the pre-qualification process. Only those respondents found to be qualified will be eligible to submit proposals. The list of pre-qualified respondents shall be valid for not more than two years following the date of initial pre-qualification. The Department Head may establish a shortlist of no fewer than three pre-qualified respondents.

(B) Request for Proposals and Selection Process. The Department Head shall issue a request for proposals inviting pre-qualified CM/GCs to submit competitive cost proposals for the project. The request for proposals shall include information describing the scope of pre-construction and construction phase services for the project. The request for proposals shall request the following minimum information from each proposer: (i) fees for pre-construction services; and (ii) fees for construction phase services, such as profit or general conditions. The Department Head may recommend the award of a Contract to the Responsible proposer submitting the lowest Responsive cost proposal.

(2) Best Value Procurement. Under best value procurement, the department shall select the CM/GC based on a combination of cost and noncost criteria. The weighting of the cost and non-cost criteria in the overall evaluation is at the discretion of the Department Head. The Department Head shall require that prospective CM/GCs be pre-qualified according to the process in subsection 6.68(b)(1)(A), or shall issue a combined request for qualifications and proposals inviting CM/GCs to submit competitive proposals for the project. In the case of a combined request for qualifications and proposals, the department may include a set of minimum qualifications that all potential proposers must meet in order for their proposals to be

evaluated. The request for proposals shall include information describing the scope of pre-construction and construction phase services for the project. The request for proposals shall request the following minimum information from each proposer: (i) fees for pre-construction services; (ii) fees for construction phase services, such as profit or general conditions; and (iii) the qualitative criteria described in subsection 6.68(b)(2)(A).

(A) Non-Cost Criteria. The Department Head shall designate a qualified panel to evaluate and rank the proposals to determine which provides the overall best value to the City with respect to non-cost and cost criteria. In cases where proposers were pre-qualified in advance, this panel may be the same panel that reviewed the pre-qualification responses, or may include different qualified panelists. The list of non-cost criteria may include but is not limited to the following: (i) plan for expediency in completing the proposed project; (ii) quality of proposal; and (iii) other criteria established by the Department Head in the request for proposals. The Department Head shall set objective scoring criteria and incorporate the criteria into any scoring procedure.

different qualified panelists. The list of non-cost criteria may include but is not limited to the following: (i) plan for expediency in completing the proposed project; (ii) quality of proposal; and (iii) other criteria established by the Department Head in the request for proposals. The Department Head shall set objective scoring criteria and incorporate the criteria into any scoring procedure.

(B) The Department Head may recommend the award of a Contract to the highest-ranked CM/GC. If award to such CM/GC is not made for any reason, the Department Head may recommend the award of a Contract to the next highest-ranked CM/GC.

(3) CM/GC Team Best Value Procurement. The Department Head may select a CM/GC team made up of the CM/GC and specified Core Trade Subcontractors. The Department Head shall require that prospective teams be pre-qualified according to the process in subsection 6.68(b)(1)(A), and then issue a request for proposals inviting pre-qualified CM/GC teams to submit competitive cost proposals for the project. Alternatively. the Department Head shall issue a combined request for qualifications and proposals inviting prospective teams to submit competitive proposals for the project. In the case of a combined request for qualifications and proposals, the department may include a set of minimum qualifications that all potential CM/GCs and their Core Trade Subcontractors must meet in order for their proposals to be evaluated.

The request for proposals shall include information describing the scope of pre-construction and construction phase services for the project. The request for proposals shall request the following minimum information from each team: (i) fees for pre-construction services; (ii) fees for construction phase services, such as profit or general conditions; and (iii) the qualitative criteria as described in subsection 6.68(b)(2)(A).

(A) The Department Head may recommend the award to the highest-ranked CM/GC team in accordance with the selection process in subsection 6.68(b)(2)(A) and (B).

(c) Procurement of Trade Subcontractors. Department Heads shall require the selected CM/GC to procure trade work contracts through one or more of the following methods:

(1) Pre-qualification and Competitive Bid. The Department Head shall require the CM/GC to pre-qualify trade subcontractors, subject to a process, which may be a minimum qualification application, pre-approved by the Department Head. The CM/GC shall attempt to establish a pool of no fewer than three pre-qualified subcontractors for each trade package. Unless otherwise authorized by the Department Head, each trade package prequalification opportunity shall be advertised as provided in subsection 6.21(a)(1). The Department Head shall require the CM/GC to receive sealed Bids from the pre-qualified trade subcontractors. Unless otherwise provided for in the advertisement or notice for bids, the bid security provisions of Section 6.21 will not apply. The CM/GC shall award a trade package subcontract to the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest Responsive Bid.

tised as provided in subsection 6.21(a)(1). The Department Head shall require the CM/GC to receive sealed Bids from the pre-qualified trade subcontractors. Unless otherwise provided for in the advertisement or notice for bids, the bid security provisions of Section 6.21 will not apply. The CM/GC shall award a trade package subcontract to the Responsible Bidder submitting the lowest Responsive Bid.

(2) Core Trade Subcontractors. The Department Head may authorize the CM/GC to enter into subcontracts with Core Trade Subcontractors to provide pre-construction, design-assist, or design-build services as appropriate for the project. Before the CM/GC may award trade package subcontracts for construction services to the Core Trade Subcontractors, including Core Trade Subcontractors selected as part of the CM/GC team in subsection 6.68(b)(3), the Core Trade Subcontractors' bids must be validated against an independent cost estimate, as overseen by the Department Head.

(3) Direct Negotiation. The Department Head may authorize the CM/GC to negotiate subcontracts for trade work as appropriate for the project, up to an amount not exceeding 7.5% of the total estimated construction costs. The Department Head shall establish a maximum dollar value for each negotiated trade subcontract as appropriate for the project.

(4) Self-Performed Work. The Department Head may authorize the CM/GC to self-perform work after determining the cost of the work to be fair and reasonable, either by an independent cost estimate or by a competitive bidding process.

(d) Except for the bid security and subcontractor listing requirements in subsections 6.21(a)(4) and 6.21(a)(9), the requirements of Section 6.21 will apply to the selection of CM/GCs under this Section 6.68. Any resulting Contract with a CM/GC shall comply with Section 6.22, except that the bond shall be for a sum not less than 100% of the costs of construction and must be filed with the department prior to notice to proceed with construction. Only those Administrative Code provisions that normally apply to subcontracts will apply to the trade package subcontracts, except that the Department Head may authorize the CM/GC to require corporate surety payment and performance bonds for some or all trade package subcontracts.

(e) The City shall retain the absolute discretion to determine, at any time during the process, not to proceed with any proposed project, which right may be exercised without liability to CM/GC for costs incurred at any point during the selection process, and such rights shall be reserved in all request for qualifications or proposals.

(f) All actions heretofore taken by a Department Head consistent with the provisions of this Section 6.68 are hereby approved.

(Added by Ord. 119-08, File No. 080277, App. 7/11/2008; amended by Ord. 96-10, File No. 100332, App. 5/13/2010; Ord. 108-15, File No. 150175, App. 7/2/2015, Eff. 8/1/2015; amended by Ord. 74-23, File No. 230408, App. 5/3/2023, Eff. 6/3/2023, Oper. 7/1/2023)

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Contents — San Francisco Administrative Code
San Francisco Administrative Code
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
  3. Chapter 2A — EXECUTIVE BRANCH
  4. Chapter 2B
  5. Chapter 3 — BUDGET PROCEDURES
  6. Chapter 4 — CITY BUILDINGS E UIPMENT AND VEHICLES , Q,
  7. Chapter 5 — COMMITTEES
  8. Chapter 6 — PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
  9. Chapter 7 — DISASTER COUNCIL
  10. Chapter 8 — DOCUMENTS RECORDS AND PUBLICATIONS ,
  11. Chapter 9A — FARMERS' MARKET
  12. Chapter 9B — FLEA MARKET
  13. Chapter 10 — FINANCE TAXATION AND OTHER FISCAL MATTERS ,,
  14. Chapter 10A — [REQUEST FOR SHERIFF’S SERVICES]
  15. Chapter 10B — SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES
  16. Chapter 10C — REIMBURSEMENT FOR TOWING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES
  17. Chapter 10D — [RESERVED] CHAPTER 10E: PLANNING MONITORING
  18. Chapter 10F
  19. Chapter 10G
  20. Chapter 10H — RECOVERY OF COSTS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE
  21. Chapter 11 — FRANCHISES
  22. Chapter 12 — HOUSING AUTHORITY
  23. Chapter 12A
  24. Chapter 12B — [REDESIGNATED]
  25. Chapter 12C — [REDESIGNATED]
  26. Chapter 12D — MINORITY/WOMEN/LOCAL BUSINESS UTILIZATION
  27. Chapter 12E — BAN ON CITY USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIP…
  28. Chapter 12F — IMPLEMENTING THE MACBRIDE PRINCIPLES – NORTHERN …
  29. Chapter 12G — PROHIBITION ON USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL…
  30. Chapter 12H — IMMIGRATION STATUS
  31. Chapter 12I — CIVIL IMMIGRATION DETAINERS
  32. Chapter 12J — CITY BUSINESS WITH BURMA PROHIBITED
  33. Chapter 12K — [REDESIGNATED]
  34. Chapter 12L
  35. Chapter 12M
  36. Chapter 12N — LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND …
  37. Chapter 12O — [REDESIGNATED]
  38. Chapter 12P — [REDESIGNATED]
  39. Chapter 12Q — [REDESIGNATED]
  40. Chapter 12R — [REDESIGNATED]
  41. Chapter 12S — WORKING FAMILIES CREDIT PROGRAM
  42. Chapter 12T — [REDESIGNATED]
  43. Chapter 12U
  44. Chapter 12V — [REDESIGNATED]
  45. Chapter 12W — [REDESIGNATED] 1
  46. Chapter 12X — [REPEALED]
  47. Chapter 12Y
  48. Chapter 12Z — [REDESIGNATED]
  49. Chapter 13 — JAILS AND PRISONERS
  50. Chapter 14 — [REDESIGNATED]
  51. Chapter 14A — DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
  52. Chapter 14B — LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION AND NON-DI…
  53. Chapter 14C — [EXPIRED]
  54. Chapter 15 — MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
  55. Chapter 16 — OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES GENERALLY
  56. Chapter 17 — PUBLIC OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES
  57. Chapter 18 — PAYROLL PROCEDURE
  58. Chapter 19 — PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA ORDINANCE
  59. Chapter 19A — PUBLIC HEALTH
  60. Chapter 19B — ACQUISITION OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY
  61. Chapter 20 — SOCIAL SERVICES
  62. Chapter 21 — ACQUISITION OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
  63. Chapter 21A — HEALTH-RELATED COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
  64. Chapter 21B — CORE INITIATIVES ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS, DRUG O…
  65. Chapter 21C — [REDESIGNATED]
  66. Chapter 21D — FOOD PURCHASES AT HOSPITALS OPERATED BY THE DEPA…
  67. Chapter 21E — GOODS OR SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR INCARCERATED PER…
  68. Chapter 21F — SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SOCIAL…
  69. Chapter 21G
  70. Chapter 21H — PROCUREMENT OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
  71. Chapter 22 — RADIO COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
  72. Chapter 22A — INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
  73. Chapter 22B — TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
  74. Chapter 22C — PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
  75. Chapter 22D — OPEN DATA POLICY
  76. Chapter 22E — CITY-OWNED FIBER-OPTIC FACILITIES
  77. Chapter 22G — OFFICE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
  78. Chapter 22H — DESIGNATION UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY A…
  79. Chapter 22I — OFFICE OF CYBER SECURITY AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF…
  80. Chapter 22J — ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
  81. Chapter 23 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
  82. Chapter 23A — SURPLUS PUBLIC LANDS ORDINANCE
  83. Chapter 24 — REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
  84. Chapter 24A — ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE LOCAL RENT SUPPLEMENT P…
  85. Chapter 24B — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
  86. Chapter 25 — STREET LIGHTING
  87. Chapter 26 — [RESERVED]
  88. Chapter 27 — HEALTHY NAIL SALON RECOGNITION PROGRAM
  89. Chapter 28 — ADMINISTRATIVE DEBARMENT PROCEDURE
  90. Chapter 29 — FINDINGS OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FEASIBILITY
  91. Chapter 29A — APPROVAL OF POWER PLANT PLANNING CODE SEC. 303 C…
  92. Chapter 29B — CHILD CARE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CITY AND CITY-F…
  93. Chapter 30 — CENTRALIZATION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
  94. Chapter 31 — CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PROCEDURES A…
  95. Chapter 32 — RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM
  96. Chapter 33 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
  97. Chapter 33A — LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVE…
  98. Chapter 34 — NOTIFICATION TO ASSESSOR CONCERNING ZONING RECLAS…
  99. Chapter 35 — RESIDENTIAL HOTEL AND PDR COMPATIBILITY AND PROTE…
  100. Chapter 36 — COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS AREA PLANS AND PROGRAMS
  101. Chapter 37 — RESIDENTIAL RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION OR…
  102. Chapter 37A — RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION FEE
  103. Chapter 37B — MIDTOWN PARK APARTMENTS
  104. Chapter 37C — [EXPIRED]
  105. Chapter 38 — COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS; ACCESS IMPROVEMENT OBLIGATI…
  106. Chapter 39 — [RIGHT TO RETURN TO REVITALIZED PUBLIC HOUSING]
  107. Chapter 40 — HOUSING CODE ENFORCEMENT LOAN PROGRAM
  108. Chapter 41 — RESIDENTIAL HOTEL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
  109. Chapter 41A — RESIDENTIAL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
  110. Chapter 41B — COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ACT
  111. Chapter 41C — TIME-SHARE CONVERSION ORDINANCE
  112. Chapter 41D — RESIDENTIAL HOTEL VISITOR POLICIES
  113. Chapter 41E — RESIDENTIAL HOTEL MAIL RECEPTACLE ORDINANCE
  114. Chapter 41F
  115. Chapter 41G — RESIDENTIAL HOTEL COVID-19 PROTECTIONS
  116. Chapter 41H — [EXPIRED]
  117. Chapter 42 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
  118. Chapter 43 — MUNICIPAL FINANCE LAW
  119. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS SEC. 43.1.1. TITLE.
  120. Title 2 — FINANCING RESIDENCES SEC. 43.1.7. LOANS FOR RESIDENC…
  121. Title 3 — BONDS
  122. Title 4 — SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS
  123. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS SEC. 43.2.1. TITLE.
  124. Title 2 — FINANCING FACILITIES
  125. Title 3 — BONDS SEC. 43.2.17. ISSUANCE OF BONDS.
  126. Title 4 — SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS SEC. 43.2.27. LIBERAL CONSTR…
  127. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS SEC. 43.10.1. TITLE.
  128. Title 2 — PROVISIONS RELATING TO FORMATION OF DISTRICTS SEC. 4…
  129. Title 3 — PROVISIONS RELATING TO BONDS SEC. 43.10.18. ALTERNAT…
  130. Title 4 — SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS SEC. 43.10.22. LIBERAL CONST…
  131. Title 5 — CHANGE PROCEEDINGS SEC. 43.10.26. ALTERNATE PROCEDUR…
  132. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS SEC. 43.15.1. TIT…
  133. Title 2 — RESIDENCES SEC. 43.15.6. LOANS TO QUALIFIED 501(c)(3…
  134. Title 3 — BONDS SEC. 43.15.15. ISSUANCE OF BONDS; LOANS TO QUA…
  135. Title 4 — SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS SEC. 43.15.25. LIBERAL CONST…

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